Sports | Kristoffersen Edges McGrath for Norwegian 1-2 in Final World Cup Slalom Before 2026 Olympics
By Newzvia
Quick Summary
Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway won the final men's World Cup slalom before the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, beating teammate Atle Lie McGrath by 0.34 seconds in a challenging night race in Schladming, Austria. The reigning slalom Crystal Globe champion clocked 1:53.80 for his first victory of the 2025-26 season and 34th career win. France's Clement Noel took third, as nearly half the field failed to finish amid treacherous conditions.
Norwegian Dominance in Schladming Slalom
Henrik Kristoffersen delivered a masterful performance to win the men's World Cup slalom in Schladming, Austria, securing a Norwegian one-two finish with teammate Atle Lie McGrath in second. The night race on the treacherous Planai course, marked by soft snow and poor visibility, served as the final slalom event before the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Kristoffersen clocked a winning time of 1:53.80, overcoming a 0.15-second deficit from the first run to prevail by 0.34 seconds.
Race Conditions Test the Field
The demanding conditions led to significant attrition, with 18 racers failing to finish the first run and nine more in the second, accounting for nearly half of the 69 starters. Despite the chaos, Kristoffersen's precision shone through, marking his first victory of the 2025-26 season and his 34th career World Cup win, tying him for second among active male Alpine ski racers. McGrath, who led after the first run with a time of 53.12 seconds, expressed relief at reaching the finish line after recent non-finishes.
Podium and Top Performances
- 1st: Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) - 1:53.80
- 2nd: Atle Lie McGrath (NOR) - +0.34
- 3rd: Clement Noel (FRA) - +0.54
- 4th: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA)
Other Norwegians Timon Haugan (6th) and Eirik Hystad Solberg (8th) bolstered the team's strong showing. The U.S. had its best slalom result of the season, with Ben Ritchie in 13th and Luke Winters in 19th. Notable non-finishers included Tuesday's giant slalom winner Loic Meillard and season standouts Paco Rassat and Eduard Hallberg.
Olympic Momentum for Norway
This dominant result provides Norway with vital confidence heading into the Olympics next month. Kristoffersen, a veteran with Olympic silver in giant slalom (2018) and bronze in slalom (2014), reflected emotionally on his resilience amid past challenges. McGrath, now wearing the slalom standings leader's red bib by a single point over Braathen, praised his composure under pressure.
Kristoffersen's Historic Milestone
The Schladming victory marks Kristoffersen's fifth win in this iconic slalom classic. As the reigning slalom Crystal Globe champion, he enters the Games in peak form, ready to chase his first Olympic gold. The Norwegian sweep underscores their depth and preparation for Milan Cortina.